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The Digest:

The Federal Government has defended its recent increase in Nigerian passport fees, calling the higher cost A Necessary Cost to ensure quality, curb corruption, and guarantee timely delivery of the travel document.

Key Points:
  • The FG defended the passport fee hike to ₦100,000 and ₦200,000.
  • The reason given is to sustain quality, curb corruption, and ensure timely delivery.
  • Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo promised a one-week passport delivery time.
  • The new system aims to end delays that took up to seven months.
  • It also seeks to eliminate extortion that costs up to ₦200,000.
  • Passport Control Officers no longer have the power to approve applications.
  • The approval process has been centralized to reduce corruption.
The government's defense reframes the fee increase as A Necessary Cost for efficiency. It promises a corruption-free system and a one-week delivery in exchange.

Sources: The Punch, Nigeria Immigration Service